Loose steering

[WIMUSKY]

I've done a search and mainly came up with tight conditions, or, loose conditions on tillers. This is a 2003 1650 Crestliner, 2003 Johnson 60hp 4 stroke w/console. It's my understanding that there is no adjustment at the motor given the console. How about at the steering box? Anywhere else?

My brother has a 2004 1750(same boat, 1 size up) w/ Merc 125 and his steering is tighter. There is no slop, I would just like to have a little more tension, if possible.

On the trim ring behind the wheel it sez, safety steering - Teleflex

Thanks......

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Loose steering

An engine with a single-cable steering wheel setup usually does not have many options to tighten up steering slack. One thing to check. There is a large nut which tightens on the steering cable end to the engine's tilt tube. (that's the pivot point of the engine when trimmed.) That nut puts a tight clamp load on the steering cable casing and prevents it from moving when steering. If that nut is somewhat loose, the casing can move slightly before the inner cable moves/turns the engine. That creates extra slop in the whole steering system. Also, if it's a rack system, make sure the 4 bolts on the rack are still tight on the steering gearbox.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Loose steering

Thanks for the reply. I checked that nut earlier today. It was tight. Pretty sure it doesn't have a rack. The gearbox is round. Towards the top of the box there is a plastic connector that screws onto the box. There is a hard plastic black tube, around 1/4" dia. if I remember, with a blue cap for the tip that comes out of the connector about 16". What is that for? It appears to be hollow. I started unscrewing it from the box and then thought better of it and retightened.

 

[boobie]

Re: Loose steering

That tube is where the inner part of the steering cable goes when you are steering it. Leave it alone.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Loose steering

Hmmmm. I didn't take it off, I did spin the tube a little. I assume I didn't do any harm? I tightened the plastic nut thingy as tight as I could by hand. I guess I have a tough time understanding how that works. Never had a steering box apart or changed cables....

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Loose steering

Is it a question about reducing play or a wish for increased friction?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Loose steering

You must have a rotary system if you've got the black tube. That black tube is a casing for the greasy end of the gearbox cable. Keeps the cable from getting grease on everything around the gearbox. It's on the backend of the steering system-has no impact on anything.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Loose steering

Go to Teleflex and try figuring out which system you have:
http://www.teleflexmarine.com/products/mechanical-steering/

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Loose steering

It's definitely a rotary. I believe this one since it sez safe-t on it: http://www.teleflexmarine.com/products/mechanical-steering/nfb-safe-t-ll-2/ Possiby the safe-t QC. More I look at the link it's probably the QC.
Wont be able to crawl underneath it at the moment. Getting ready to head to N Mn to my favorite lake, Vermilion.....

All I want to do is increase friction......
Thanks...

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Loose steering

Wow, the acitivity in this section the last 24hrs. Just bumping if there are any more ideas.....

Edit: I just looked at the gearbox again. It looks a lot like the BIG T except the steering shaft isn't near as long. The only pic of the QC is on the box which I can't really see what it is. It's not the others. I could'nt find any model on the gearbox except "safe-t".

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Loose steering

Check of a hole in the bezel below the steering wheel. Inside it should be a screw making it possible to increase friction. Might depend of year and type if there.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Loose steering

Thanks for the reply. I just checked, nothing there......